From McAllen/Mission take US 83 west ten miles to Sullivan City. Turn south onto Hwy 886, drive into the town of Los Ebanos, then keep bearing southwest until you reach the Rio Grande and the Ferry. The road on the Mexican side is much nicer than the road on the American side, which at the end is nothing but a dirt track.

"The only hand-drawn ferry in the U.S." (according to its sign) is still in operation, although the duty-free shops have seen better days. There were a lot of cars on the U.S. side when I visited, but the stores were closed and looked as if they had not been open for a long time. One looked like a ghost town relic in contrast to the modern Border Patrol facility at the crossing.

[Rick Kincaid, 12/24/2014]

Only Hand-Operated Ferry Across USA-Mexico Border

Many people cross and then come right back because they are buying smokes and liquor at the nearby Duty Free store. This satisfies the requirement to leave the USA, even if just briefly.

[PirateJohn, 09/06/2012]

Only Hand-Operated Ferry Across USA-Mexico Border

Cost $2.75 one way. Make sure you have a passport for all to come back. US border patrol seem to hate life.

[Jim And Suzie, 04/07/2010]

Only Hand-Operated Ferry Across USA-Mexico Border

You can find the Los Ebanos Ferry, the only existing hand-operated ferry on the U.S.-Mexican border. It is very unusual. It will carry three cars at a time. Men actually pull cables to make the ferry go across the water. We rode it across the river and turned around and came back. But don't be surprised to see the Border Patrol watching the area. It seems to be a crossing point for Mexicans coming across to Texas.